Vocalist and founder member of Ratt, Stephen Pearcy, has sensationally quit the band saying that he is "officially done with having anything to do with them due to the constant turmoil, unresolved business, personal attacks/threats in the public forum, and most of all, the disrespect to the fans".

The band were forced to cancel their scheduled appearance at the Monsters of Rock Cruise alongside Tesla, Winger, Cinderella and Slaughter, after the sudden death of Pearcy's sister at the end of March and his decision to quit the band came as a shock to the band's fan base.

Pearcy released a statement saying "After thirty years creating the band Ratt and losing a real brother, Robbin (late Ratt guitarist Robbin Crosby - who died from a heroin overdose in 2002), it's time that I personally part ways with the band. I am officially done with having anything to do with them due to the constant turmoil, unresolved business, personal attacks/threats in the public forum, and most of all, the disrespect to the fans".

Article continues below...

"I'm very content and proud of the legacy and the music I've created. This music will live well beyond any of our lifetimes. I owe no one anything but a huge heartfelt thank you for coming to the party for the last thirty years.

"With much respect, life goes on and the music I created will continue to be heard for years to come despite the dark clouds that have lingered for far too long. I will personally continue to make music and perform live shows. See you out there".

This isn't the first time that Pearcy has quit the band. He previously left the band in 1992 to form the band Arcade with former Cinderella drummer Fred Coury before rejoining Ratt again in 1997, only to leave the band for a second time in 2000 on the eve of the bands tour citing differences over financial allocation amongst band members as the reason for the split.

He returned to Ratt again in 2007 when the band toured with Poison before undertaking a tours of Europe, Spain, Japan and Australia in subsequent years.

The remaining members of Ratt still have to make an official statement of Pearcys departure and the future of the band.